DIGEST

Adoption matters. Amends provisions regarding adoption notices. Provides that a consent to an adoption is not required from the biological father of a child born out of wedlock who was conceived as a result of a crime in any jurisdiction in which the elements of the crime are substantially similar to certain crimes under Indiana law. Amends provisions regarding: (1) when a putative father is not entitled to establish paternity; and (2) postadoption contact privileges. Prohibits any person from challenging an adoption decree after the expiration period. Makes the following changes to the crime of profiting from an adoption: (1)Adoption matters. Amends provisions regarding adoption notices. Provides that a consent to an adoption is not required from the biological father of a child born out of wedlock who was conceived as a result of a crime in any jurisdiction in which the elements of the crime are substantially similar to certain crimes under Indiana law. Amends provisions regarding: (1) when a putative father is not entitled to establish paternity; and (2) postadoption contact privileges. Prohibits any person from challenging an adoption decree after the expiration period. Makes the following changes to the crime of profiting from an adoption: (1)Provides that the crime does not apply if the birth mother is not a resident of Indiana and the adoption takes place outside of Indiana. (2) Increases, from $3,000 to $4,000, the allowable payments for certain costs and expenses. Prohibits the state department of health from processing a birth certificate with respect to a record for adoption unless certain fees have been paid and the report summarizing the available medical, psychological, and educational records concerning the birth parents has been submitted to the state department of health. Increases the penalty for adoption deception from a Class A misdemeanor to a Level 6 felony. Increases the penalty for unauthorized adoption advertising from a Class A misdemeanor to a Level 6 felony. Exempts the Indiana department of child services and federal agencies from the criminal statute pertaining to unauthorized adoption advertising.... View more